The NFL is trying to do something about the backlash it has received for its perceived light suspension of Ray Rice. It just may need to try a little harder.

The Washington Post reports the league is considering harsher punishments for players who violate its personal conduct policy in cases of domestic violence. It's the necessary and expected fallout from Rice, the Baltimore Ravens' star running back, getting banned only two games after being charged with assaulting his now wife.

According to the Post, league officials are looking at the following potential parameters for the new penalty policy: a four-to-six game suspension without pay for the first offense, and a season-long suspension for a second offense.

Based on the NFL's current disciplinary system, commissioner Roger Goodell has said the length of Rice's suspension was appropriate.

Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, it felt like the league was running a kangaroo court. The judgment drew outrage from many places.

Some called for the Ravens to act and suspend Rice for longer. Others were hoping the NFL would go ahead and implement an immediate season-long ban.

Going forward, the NFL can't afford to take baby steps here. It must come up with a swift decision and the strictest of suspension for a violent, unforgivable act.

One time hitting a woman should be bad enough to draw the one-year suspension. Four-to-six games, in relation to what players get for violating the CBA-state substance-abuse policy, would not be enough to make the league look like it was taking truly harsher measures.